There’s a saying about becoming a partner at a law firm:

It’s like winning a pie-eating contest… where the prize is more pie.

And tbf, this phrase isn’t reserved for just lawyers.

It can be applied to bankers, founders, YouTubers and solopreneurs.

Basically, anyone who is on the hamster wheel of achievement.

But there’s gotta be another way.

This week, on a solo episode of The Examined Life Podcast, Khe asks the question:

Are you a post-achievement professional?

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My top 3 takeaways

The post-achievement professional matrix
There’s a 2x2 matrix that spans achievement and personal finances. We all fall into one of four quadrants (yup, even trust fund kids). I’m going to guess that many of you are pre-financial, post-achievement.

→ Watch the clip

HENRY = High-earners, not rich yet
NAWITW = Not a worry in the world

The “trance of unworthiness” is real
Some people don’t realize their self-worth until they’re literally on their deathbed. Decoupling self-worth and achievement is a key trailhead in your transition to becoming a Post-Achievement professional.

→ Watch the clip

Have you questioned your source of motivation?

Having a “chip on your shoulder” or needing to “prove to your college roommate that you're important” aren't the healthiest sources of motivation. After all, would you prepare for an Iron Man by only eating Chick-Fil-A and In-and-Out?

→ Watch the clip

My favorite quote: Achievement doesn’t matter when you’ve got a leaky bucket

And I could speak for myself that achievement-oriented folks, we're broken in a way that we don't know how to experience things that many others do.

Why this episode matters to me

I suffer from the trance of unworthiness.

I’ve got a leaky bucket that I keep filling (to this day) with achievement.

But I also have reached a point where I recognize that no amount of achievement will bring me enduring happiness and peace.

It’s got to come from another source — and I’ve been making huge strides (with much wood left to chop).

Becoming Post-Achievement will be my greatest achievement.

If you want to dig deeper

On January 17, I’m leading a salon (fancy, I know!) on the path to becoming a Post-Achievement professional. Here’s the link to sign up for the salon.